The eid holidays have provided the tourism sector in Khagrachhari a massive boost, just what the hotels and tourist-reliant local industries needed after heavy rains caused a recent drop in visitor numbers.
“We faced losses last month [August] as tourist numbers were fewer because of continuous rain, but we can overcome the loss this month as we are getting expected number of tourists,” said BM Omar Faruq, manager for the Khagrachhari Parjatan Motel.
The motel, which offers 50 rooms, is reaching its daily Tk30,000 earning target from accommodation as well as earning another Tk40,000 each day from its dining facilities, Faruq said.
The turnaround in tourist numbers has been possible as all motel services have been overhauled, the manager added.
Ananta Bikash Tripura, managing director for Hotel Gairing, also told the Dhaka Tribune that they have been getting more guests ever since monsoon ended.
The increase in tourist arrivals has also been a boon for the local industries.
Rupna Chakma, who works at a shop called Pahari Textile, said they have earned over Tk1 lakh in just three days by selling products to out-of-district tourists.
Rupali Marma, a salesperson at Khagrachhari Boyan Textile, said locally made garment products including Thami, Gamchha and Lungi have been on top of the shopping list for tourists.
Hasan Mahmud, a tourist from Dhaka, however pointed out Khagrachhari has been unsuccessful to draw a lot of tourists as authorities had failed to promote the infrastructure and transport services available in the scenic district.
Ismat Ara Mahi, another tourist, told the Dhaka Tribune that authorities concerned needed to improve road transport facilities to Khagrachhari along with other infrastructures.
The district’s Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Wahiduzzaman said Khagrachhari has all the potential to become a major tourist destination as it offers true wilderness, scenic geographical features, and a diverse cultural community.
Road connection to Khagrachhari is going to be better soon as road expansion is currently ongoing while some transport companies now offer comfortable bus services to the district, he said.
District Superintendent of Police Md Mazid Ali said law enforcers are working to provide all necessary security measures for both local and foreign tourists.